Selective recharging of medical device depending on authentication of power adapter system

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a medical device can be used with a power adapter system. In addition, it can receive a data set from the power adapter system, and examine the data set to determine whether the data set confirms or not an authentication of the power adapter for use with the medical device. If the authentication is not confirmed, the external medical device can operate differently than otherwise. For example, power can be drawn more slowly from the power adapter system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/131,267, filed on Jun. 2, 2008, by thesame inventors, entitled DEFIBRILLATOR BATTERY AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM,all commonly assigned herewith, the entire content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This patent application may be found to be related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. [SER. NO. OF. 1074-065US02/P38416.00], filed on thesame day as the instant patent application, by the same inventors,entitled SELECTIVE POWERING OF MEDICAL DEVICE DEPENDING ONAUTHENTICATION OF POWER ADAPTER SYSTEM, having attorney docket number1074-065US02/P38416.00, all commonly assigned herewith, the entirecontent of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This invention generally relates to external defibrillators. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to how an external defibrillatormight authenticate its power adapter.

BACKGROUND

Defibrillators are medical devices for providing life-saving electricaltherapy to persons experiencing an irregular heart beat, such asventricular fibrillation (VF). A defibrillator provides an electricalstimulus to the heart in an attempt to convert the irregular heart beatto a normal sinus rhythm. An external defibrillator sends electricalpulses to the patient's heart through external electrodes applied to thepatient's chest.

The typical external defibrillator is capable of being powered byexternal power, via a power adapter. The power adapter may power thedefibrillator directly, or recharge a rechargeable battery of thedefibrillator. Because defibrillators are intended for use inlife-threatening medical emergencies, their power adapter must meet highstandards of safety and reliability. A defibrillator designed for use byambulance crews and in hospitals typically will use power adaptersdesigned specifically for that particular make and model ofdefibrillator.

Typical external defibrillators have a useful life longer than that oftheir power adapters. This necessitates the purchase and deployment ofseveral replacement power adapters over the useful life of a singledefibrillator. An external defibrillator owner may find several sourcesfrom which to purchase after-market power adapters which are configuredto operate with the defibrillator, at least nominally. However, if anafter-market power adapter is not manufactured to the appropriatequality standards, the performance of the defibrillator may suffer andsafety may be compromised. Unfortunately, whether a particular poweradapter meets standards and specifications set by the defibrillatormanufacturer may not be readily apparent simply by examining the outwardappearance of the power adapter.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present description gives instances of devices, systems and methods,the use of which may help overcome problems and limitations of the priorart.

In an embodiment, a medical device can be used with a power adaptersystem. In addition, it can receive a data set from the power adaptersystem, and examine the data set to determine whether the data setconfirms or not an authentication of the power adapter for use with themedical device. If the authentication is not confirmed, the externalmedical device can operate differently than otherwise. For example,power can be drawn more slowly from the power adapter system.

These and other features and advantages of this description will becomemore readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, whichproceeds with reference to the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an external defibrillator systemconfigured to receive power via a power adapter system in accordancewith embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for a power adapter system that can be used topower the defibrillator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a first example of a poweradapter system for use in the defibrillator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a second example of a poweradapter system for use in the defibrillator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of components of the arrangement ofFIGS. 1 and 2 according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of theinvention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Aspects of the invention may be described herein in terms of functionaland/or logical block components and various processing steps. It shouldbe appreciated that such block components may be realized by any numberof hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to performthe specified functions. For example, an embodiment may employ variousintegrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signalprocessing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, whichmay carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or moreprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in theart will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced inconjunction with any number of medical devices including practicaldefibrillator systems and that the system described herein is merely oneexample application. The connecting lines shown in the various figurescontained herein are intended to represent example functionalrelationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. Itshould be noted that many alternative or additional functionalrelationships or physical connections may be present in a practicalembodiment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a patient 8 coupled to an externaldefibrillator 18 that is provided in a housing 19. Defibrillator 18administers defibrillation therapy to patient 8 via electrodes 12 and14. The body of patient 8 provides an electrical path between electrodes12 and 14. Electrodes 12 and 14 are coupled to switch 20 via conductors10 and 16. Switch 20 couples electrodes 12 and 14 to the output of anenergy storage device 22. Switch 20 is of conventional design and maycomprise an arrangement of solid-state devices such assilicon-controlled rectifiers or insulated gate bipolar transistors.These may be arranged in an H-bridge configuration.

Energy storage device 22 includes components such one or more capacitorsthat store the energy to be delivered to patient 8 via electrodes 12,14. Before a defibrillation pulse may be delivered to patient 8, energystorage device 22 must be charged. A processor 24 analyzes the patient'sECG signals that are transmitted from electrodes 12, 14 (or, in someembodiments from separate sensing electrodes, not shown).

The processor 24 may be any general purpose processor, microprocessor,controller, or microcontroller that is suitably configured to controlthe operation of defibrillator. The processor 24 has a memory 25associated with it. Memory 25 may be any suitable processor-readablemedium, including an electronic circuit, a semiconductor memory device,a ROM, a flash memory, or the like. As described in more detail below,memory 25 is capable of storing patient data captured during aresuscitation event, as well as data which can be programmed into thememory 25 during defibrillator manufacturing or during the programmingof software updates or upgrades by well-known means.

When the energy stored in energy storage device 22 reaches the desiredlevel, defibrillator 18 is ready to deliver the defibrillation shock.Processor 24 may activate an element of a user interface 28 such as anindicator light, a visual display, or a speaker, that informs theoperator that defibrillator 18 is ready to deliver a defibrillationshock to patient 8 or instructs the operator to push a shock button toactivate switch 20 and thereby deliver a defibrillation shock to patient8.

In a defibrillator 18 operating in an AED mode, the processor determineswhether a defibrillating shock is advisable based on the ECG analysisand, if it is, directs a charging circuit 26 to charge energy storagedevice 22 to a high voltage level. Charging circuit 26 includes, forexample, a flyback charger that transfers energy from a power source 30to energy storage device 22.

Contrary to how a defibrillator operates in an AED mode, in a fullyautomatic external defibrillator, processor 24 causes the user interface28 to prompt the operator that defibrillator 18 is ready to deliver adefibrillation shock to patient 8 and to refrain from touching thepatient. Processor 24 then activates switch 20 to electrically connectenergy storage device 22 to electrodes 12 and 14, and thereby deliver adefibrillation shock to patient 8.

An external defibrillator for use in a hospital or by emergency medicalservice providers (EMS), commonly called a defibrillator/monitor, mayhave patient parameter monitoring functionality. Such a defibrillator 18may include patient parameter sensors 13 such as capnography, pulseoximetry, NIBP, EtCO2, invasive blood pressure, temperature, and othervital sign sensors. Its monitoring functionality may also includepatient impedance and ECG (including 12-lead ECG) monitoring. Processor24 may be configured to analyze sensor data to determine patientcondition and to evaluate the efficacy of delivered therapy.

Sensor data and results of analyses may be stored in the defibrillatormemory 25. The defibrillator 18 may also include sensors for monitoringCPR performance (for example, as a part of a CPR feedback or coachingsystem). These sensors may include accelerometers, force sensors,impedance sensors or other sensors that detect parameters from whichchest compression depth, rate, force, or other characteristics of chestcompressions may be determined.

The defibrillator 18 may also have cardiac pacing functionality andsynchronized cardioversion functionality in addition to itsdefibrillation therapy functionality. Processor 24 also controls thesetherapy functions.

A defibrillator 18 such as a defibrillator/monitor may have thecapability to function in a manual mode, in which the user chooses oneor more parameters of defibrillation therapy delivery such as energylevel dosage and timing of delivery, and also in the AED mode describedabove, where the processor 24 controls therapy delivery parameters. Theuser interface 28 may include an element which receives an indication ofwhether the user has chosen manual mode or AED mode, with this choicebeing communicated to the processor 24. The processor 24 then controlsthe defibrillator functionality accordingly.

Processor 24 may perform other functions as well, such as controllingthe user interface delivery of information concerning the status andoperation of the defibrillator and battery pack(s) or other power sourceengaged with the defibrillator. The user interface may include a screenor other visual display that can display text messages, graphics orpictures that communicate the authenticity of the power adapter system.The user interface may include an audio interface such as a speakerthrough which voice prompts or other audio signals.

Defibrillator 18 may be made with various sources of power. In theembodiments of FIG. 1, defibrillator 18 includes an inside battery 42.While a single inside battery 42 is shown, more could be included. By“inside battery”, it is meant any device that stores electrical energyelectrochemically or through any other storage mechanism such as solarcells, flywheels, for example. An inside battery may include, forexample, an arrangement of one or more conventional electrochemicalcells or fuel cells.

Inside battery 42 is preferably a smart battery capable ofself-monitoring and communicating its charge level, maintenance needsand conditions that indicate replacement is needed. An example of asmart battery suitable for use in the defibrillator 18 is discussed indetail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,299, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. It is advantageous but not necessarythat inside battery 42 be rechargeable.

Inside battery 42 could be removable from housing 19, as a battery pack.It could be received in a battery well (not shown), or a compartment, ora slot, or other battery pack engaging mechanism of defibrillatorhousing 19. An example of a battery well interface suitable for use inthe illustrated embodiment is discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No.6,127,063 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

Alternately, inside battery 42 could be fixed within housing 19, andinternal to the defibrillator 18. In such embodiments, inside battery 42may be charged by a method which does not require direct physicalcontact with a charging device. For example, inside battery 42 may becharged via a wireless charging method such as inductive charging whilethe defibrillator is engaged with a docking station.

The defibrillator 18 is intended to also receive power via a poweradapter system 43, made according to embodiments. Examples are nowdescribed.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, power adapter system 43 includes anadapter 50 for adapting electrical power available from an externalsource 63. The adapter 50 is a converter, and is constructed accordingto how power is received from the intended source 63, which can be AC orDC. For example, the adapter 50 could be an AC/DC adapter, which canconvert AC electrical power from a wall outlet. Or, the adapter 50 couldbe a DC/DC adapter, which can convert DC electrical power from thebattery of a vehicle, such as an ambulance or a fire truck. Or, theadapter 50 could be an AC/DC adapter, which can convert AC electricalpower from the ambulance or a fire truck.

Power adapter system 43 can be electrically coupled with defibrillator18. This electrical coupling can be performed in a number of ways. Insome embodiments, suitable power cables can be used. In someembodiments, power adapter system 43 can be physically attached tohousing 19, although that is not necessary for practicing the invention.Such physical attachment can be accommodated by a implementing asuitable receiving structure in housing 19. An example of such astructure is a well, for partial or complete insertion of power adaptersystem 43 therein.

Returning to FIG. 1, when power adapter system 43 is electricallycoupled with defibrillator 18, it further becomes electrically coupledto a power interface 46 in the defibrillator 18. Power interface 46delivers power from either inside battery 42, or power adapter system 43to the processor 24, charging circuit 26 and user interface 28. Thepower interface 46 includes circuitry which can automatically switchfrom one power source to the other, depending on factors. Such factorscan be, for example, the relative charge levels of the two sources. Anexample of a power delivery interface and battery switching circuitsuitable for use in the illustrated embodiment is discussed in detail inU.S. Pat. No. 6,223,077, which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety. Other examples are described later in this document.

Returning to FIG. 2, power adapter system 43 additionally includes amemory 52. Memory 52 has stored therein a data set 53 that can be usedto authenticate power adapter system 43 as is described in more detailbelow.

Power adapter system 43 can further optionally include a control circuit58. Control circuit 58 can assist in the reading of data set 53, byenabling the memory, assisting with encryption, etc. In someembodiments, control circuit 58 in FIG. 2 can assist in the reading of amemory, if provided, of inside battery 42, thereby determining theauthenticity of battery 42 as already described in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/131,267, filed on Jun. 2, 2008, entitledDEFIBRILLATOR BATTERY AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM. If battery 42 is anauthentic part intended for use with defibrillator 18 then fullfunctionality of power adapter 43 as related to recharging battery 42will be allowed. If battery 42 is not authentic, system functionalitymay be limited as described above.

Power adapter system 43 may also include an electrical connectioninterface 56. Electrical connection interface 56 may include one or moreelectrical connectors that mate with corresponding electrical connectorsin housing 19 to form an electrical path between the adapter 50 and thepower interface 46 to transmit power from power adapter system 43 intothe defibrillator 18. Moreover, the whole power adapter system 43 may beprovided with or without additional cables, which can terminate inconnectors, etc. Electrical connection interface 56 can be made in anumber of ways, for data set 53 to be received by defibrillator 18. Twoexamples are now described.

Referring to FIG. 3, power adapter system 43 of FIG. 3 also includes acommunication interface 54 which communicates data from memory 52 intothe defibrillator 18. The communication interface 54 in FIG. 3 may be awireless communication interface 54 which communicates with a wirelesscommunication interface in the defibrillator 18. For example, well-knownwireless communication techniques in accordance with a standardized datacommunication protocol such as Bluetooth; IEEE 802.11 (any variationthereof); Ethernet; IEEE 1394 (Firewire); GPRS; USB; IEEE 802.15.4(ZigBee); IrDA (infrared) or induction, may be used to form acommunication link between the power adapter system 43 and thedefibrillator 18. Or it could be signal wires for transferring signals,above and beyond the power wires for transferring the power.

FIG. 4 shows a different embodiment of power adapter system 43. Acommunication interface, not shown as a separate component, may be ahard-wired communication interface which forms part of the electricalconnection interface 56. In this case, it will communicate data set 53using well-known techniques such as that described in U.S. Pat. No.6,127,063, which has been discussed above. In some embodiments, data set53 can be encoded as a modulated signal onto the power signal that isdelivered to the defibrillator from adapter 50.

Returning to FIG. 1, data set 53 can be programmed into the memory 52,preferably during the manufacturing process. The authenticating partymay be the defibrillator manufacturer or a party that the defibrillatormanufacturer has authorized and directed to program authenticationinformation into the memory 52 (for example, an authorized after-marketmanufacturer). The data set 53 as such encodes authenticationinformation. The data set 53 is recognizable by the processor 24 in thedefibrillator as a data set that confirms authentication. The data setmay be encrypted. It may include a digital key which the defibrillatorprocessor 24 must recognize in order to authenticate the power adaptersystem 43. As additional security measures to safeguard againstcounterfeiting, the digital key or other authenticating data programmedinto memory 52 may be varied by the authorizing party with correspondingvariations in authentication data recognition software that areprogrammed into defibrillators at various times, for example, duringperiodic defibrillator software upgrades. For example, authenticatingdata can be varied according to year of manufacture, or according to aschedule that corresponds to a defibrillator manufacturer's distributionof software updates for its defibrillators.

The data set can be received spontaneously, or upon querying, etc. Moreparticularly, in some embodiments, the processor 24 is configured tocause the defibrillator 18 to query a power adapter system that has beencoupled with it, for its authenticating data set. This query may betransmitted to the power adapter system via the power interface 46. Anauthorized power adapter system will respond by transmitting theauthentication data set. Alternatively, the power adapter system may beconfigured to send its authenticating data set to the defibrillator uponits coupling with the defibrillator, or upon powering on of thedefibrillator, with no query from the defibrillator being needed. Aprocessor may be configured to query its power adapter system when thedefibrillator performs a self-test procedure. In embodiments using awireless communication link between the power adapter system and thedefibrillator, the query may be given before the power adapter systembecomes coupled with housing 19. For example, a query may be given whenthe power adapter system is brought into proximity of the defibrillator.In another embodiment, an actuator or interface control may be provided,such as a status button, which provides status information on the poweradapter system when actuated.

In some embodiments, defibrillator 18 also includes a display (notshown), such as a screen. The display can be controlled to display atleast a portion of the data set learned by the power adapter system. Forexample, it can show the manufacture date, usage data, etc.

In some embodiments, if no data set is received from power adaptersystem 43, then the authentication is not confirmed. For example, anunauthorized power adapter system might not even have a memory such asmemory 52.

If data is transmitted from a power adapter system to the processor 24,the processor 24 will analyze the data to determine if it is anauthenticating data set. This may be done in any of several ways. Forexample, the defibrillator processor may verify that the data setincludes the authorized digital key. Or, the processor may compare thetransmitted data set to one or more data sets stored in defibrillatormemory 25 to see if the transmitted data set matches one stored in thedefibrillator memory.

It may be advantageous for an authorizing party to program more than oneset of identifying data into each defibrillator, so that one of severaldifferent corresponding authentication data sets may be used in anauthorized power adapter system. This may be advantageous for allowingpre-planned changes in programmed authorization data sets (for example,data set A programmed into power adapter systems in manufacturing yearX; data set B in manufacturing year Y, etc.), or if several differentmanufacturers will be authorized, to provide a different authorizationdata set for each one.

The identifying data set 53 may be programmed into the defibrillator atthe time of defibrillator manufacture. Programming of identifying datamay be updated from time to time. Software in a defibrillator issometimes modified or replaced in order to upgrade or update performanceof the defibrillator. A modification or replacement of previouslyprogrammed identifying data may be made as a part of a software upgrade,or the reprogramming of identifying data may be made independently ofany other defibrillator software upgrade.

In a number of embodiments, defibrillator 18 can operate differentlydepending on whether or not the preset authentication about the poweradapter system is confirmed. In other words, if the authentication isconfirmed, defibrillator 18 can operate according to a first protocol,which is also known as the authenticated protocol. But if theauthentication is not confirmed, defibrillator 18 can operate accordingto a second protocol, which is also known as the non-authenticatedprotocol. A number of protocols can be designed accordingly, as will beapparent from the examples in this document.

In a number of embodiments, the second protocol represents a morelimited functionality level than the first protocol. So, the twoprotocols can be represented as two levels of functionality.

A non-authorized protocol may include one or more of: a reduced ormodified functionality of the defibrillator, a modification ofinformation provided to the user concerning the power adapter system.

Moreover, the user can be notified of whether the authentication aboutpower adapter system is confirmed or not. Notification could be by usingthe interface of defibrillator 18.

The non-authenticated protocol may include the step of notifying a userof the non-authorized status of the power adapter system. Arecommendation can be displayed for replacing the unauthenticated poweradapter, or a warning can be displayed against its use. Plus, limitingthe functionality of the defibrillator can be by limiting or disablingan information display or an information storage function. For example,question marks can be displayed. Moreover, the notification can showwhich functionality is not available, because the authentication is notconfirmed.

In one example, according to the first protocol, power is drawn from thepower adapter system 43 even if inside battery 42 is charged, butaccording to the second protocol, power is drawn from the power adaptersystem 43 only if the inside battery is not charged. In other words, thenon-authenticated protocol may include drawing power from thenon-authenticated power adapter system only if it is the only availablesource of power for the external medical device. This may furtherinclude the steps of: before drawing power from the non-authenticatedadapter, determining whether an alternative power source is coupled tothe medical device, and determining whether power is available from thatalternative power source.

In another example, the inside battery 42 is rechargeable. According tothe first protocol, power can be drawn from the power adapter system torecharge the inside battery at a first charging rate. The first chargingrate is preferably the full charging rate. According to the secondprotocol, however, power can be drawn from the power adapter system torecharge the inside battery at a second charging rate, which is lessthan the first charging rate. The second charging rate can be a fractionof the first charging rate, even zero. This can be accomplished by anumber of ways, as will be determined by a person skilled in the art,for example shunting, etc. In other words, the power adapter system maycharge more slowly, if at all. In some instances this feature is fixed.In others the second charging rate can be increased if an input isreceived from a user. Such an input would be an acknowledgement to anotification that the authentication failed, and to tend to it.Moreover, the number of charge cycles which a defibrillator will performon any non-authenticated power adapter system can be limited in number.The time duration for use of an unauthenticated power adapter could belimited to a time chosen to accommodate a typical patient usage of thedefibrillator, for example, 20 minutes, to avoid an interruption oftherapy and monitoring.

The external medical device may be a defibrillator which has thecapability of operating in both of a manual mode and an AED mode, andthe step of limiting the functionality of the defibrillator may includelimiting the functionality to AED mode.

The step of limiting the functionality of the defibrillator may includelimiting the patient parameter monitoring functionality of thedefibrillator. The step of limiting the patient parameter monitoringfunctionality of the defibrillator may include the step of disabling oneor more of capnography, pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure(NIBP) monitoring, end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) monitoring, electrocardiogram(ECG) monitoring (which may include 12-lead ECG monitoring), invasiveblood pressure monitoring, temperature monitoring, or monitoring of CPRperformance (for example, as in a CPR feedback or coaching system).

In an embodiment where the medical device is a defibrillator, the stepof limiting the functionality of the defibrillator may include disablingor limiting pacing therapy. The step of limiting the functionality ofthe defibrillator may include disabling synchronized cardioversiontherapy. The step of limiting the functionality of the external medicaldevice may include disabling a charging function of energy storage 22.

The step of limiting functionality of the defibrillator may include thestep of disabling a post-processing function performed on one or moremonitored parameters such as those mentioned above. For example, acutemyocardial infarction (AMI) detection or alarms, or determination ofheart rate or respiration rate, and/or alarms based on a heart rate orrespiration rate could be disabled or limited.

The step of limiting functionality of the defibrillator may include thestep of limiting or disabling an information storage, transfer ordisplay functionality of the defibrillator. This may include disabling aprinter built into the defibrillator, or limiting data transfer out ofthe defibrillator to a separate printer. Other examples include limitingthe information displayed on a user interface display screen and/orlimiting the information stored in the defibrillator's memory. Forexample, a defibrillator may be configured to display only ECG waveformsand no others, to display only a limited set of patient parameters andomit display of others, or to display detected parameters on thedefibrillator display screen but not in a printed report. Otheralternatives include storing a limited set of patient parameter data(i.e., limited to only certain parameters) or limit the storage time ofpatent parameter data.

In another alternative, the presence of an unauthorized power adapterwith the defibrillator can be recorded in a code summary, in whichinformation concerning usage of the defibrillator is recorded for postevent review. It can alternatively or additionally be recorded in thedefibrillator's device status log or self-test activity log so thatpersonnel who review the device's status information and self-testresults are aware that an unauthenticated power adapter had been in thedevice, and its warranty is possibly not covered.

In embodiments where the defibrillator has the capability to communicatewith a remote unit (for example, a remote device management system) thedefibrillator can communicate the confirmation or not of theauthentication to the remote unit. If the defibrillator is adapted fortwo-way communication, the remote unit may, upon receiving anotification of lack of authentication confirmation, send to thedefibrillator a communication including an instruction for the processorto cause a particular action to occur. This may be an instruction toshut down the defibrillator or to modify the processes performed by thedefibrillator in some way. The instruction may be provided according toan algorithm performed by a processor at the remote unit (for example,to perform according to one or more of the protocols discussedelsewhere). Alternatively, the instruction to be sent back to thedefibrillator may be determined by personnel monitoring authenticationinformation at the remote unit.

While two levels of functionality have been discussed in connection withthe illustrated embodiment, a system could have several functionalitylevels or several adapter use protocols which are invoked based onseveral authentication status levels. A functionality level or protocolmay be chosen based on authentication status level, or upon otherinformation transmitted from the battery pack to the defibrillator. Forexample, authenticated power adapter systems from certain manufacturers,manufacturing facilities, manufacturing lots or dates of manufacture,may be given a first authentication status (e.g., “level 1”), whilethose of others may be given a second authentication status (e.g.,“level 2”), which correspond to a first and a second functionality levelor protocol. For example, a first authentication level may correspond toa protocol or functionality level that include features (such as avisual message) which draw a user's attention to battery pack status,while a second authentication level may include modifications todefibrillator functionality which would encourage prompt power adapterreplacement (such as a repeated audible prompt). The particular protocolor functionality level may be chosen based on themanufacturer/manufacturing facility, lot identification, manufacturingdate or other factors.

This may be useful, for example, to draw a user's attention to a poweradapter system that is nearing its expiration date by providing aprotocol that includes prompts or displays that draw attention to this,and which may include defibrillator functionality modifications thatencourage prompt power adapter system replacement. As another example,where a defibrillator manufacturer has become aware of an issue in aparticular manufacturing lot or in power adapter system manufactured ata particular facility or in a particular data range which makes theirreplacement desirable or necessary, defibrillators already in the fieldmay be reprogrammed so that the reprogrammed defibrillators willrecognize power adapter system which transmit information indicative ofbeing in the affected lot, or form the particular facility or daterange, as being non-authenticated or as having an authentication statusat a level which results in a modified protocol or functionality levelas discussed above.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of components of the arrangement ofFIGS. 1 and 2 according to embodiments. A power adapter system 143 isconstructed as has been described above in connection with power adaptersystem 43. In addition, it could have additional adapters internally,more than the single adapter 50, to accommodate different external powersources.

Power adapter system 143 is intended to adapt power from any one ofexternal power sources 163 as shown. For each case, an appropriate oneof alternate cables 145 can be used, to connect to a power inputconnector 149 of power adapter system 143.

Power adapter system 143 is intended for use with medical device 118that can be constructed as has been described above in connection withdefibrillator 18. Power adapter system 143 can be electrically coupledwith medical device 118 via an interconnect cable 144. Interconnectcable 144 passes both the adapted power, and also includes a standarddata communication interface like 12C or SMBus. This interface providesfor communication over signal lines separate from the power lines.

In this description, numerous details have been set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding. In other instances, well-knownfeatures have not been described in detail in order to not obscureunnecessarily the description.

A person skilled in the art will be able to practice the presentinvention in view of this description, which is to be taken as a whole.The specific embodiments as disclosed and illustrated herein are not tobe considered in a limiting sense. Indeed, it should be readily apparentto those skilled in the art that what is described herein may bemodified in numerous ways. Such ways can include equivalents to what isdescribed herein. In addition, the invention may be practiced incombination with other systems. The following claims define certaincombinations and subcombinations of elements, features, steps, and/orfunctions, which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Additionalclaims for other combinations and subcombinations may be presented inthis or a related document.

1. A medical device that is to receive power via a power adapter system,the medical device capable of operating to defibrillate a patientaccording to a first protocol if a preset authentication about the poweradapter system is confirmed, and capable of operating to defibrillatethe patient according to a second protocol different from the firstprotocol if the authentication is not confirmed, the medical devicecomprising: a housing; a capacitor for storing an electrical charge thatis to be delivered to the patient as part of defibrillating according toeither the first protocol or the second protocol; a rechargeable insidebattery in the housing distinct from the power adapter system andcapable of storing an electrical charge that is to be delivered to thecapacitor, the rechargeable inside battery having a full chargingcapacity; means for receiving a data set from the power adapter systemwhen the power adapter system is coupled with the housing; and aprocessor capable of recognizing whether the received data set confirmsthe authentication or not, in which according to the first protocol,power can be drawn from the power adapter system to recharge the insidebattery at a first charging rate, but according to the second protocol,power can be drawn from the power adapter system to recharge the insidebattery at a second charging rate less than the first charging rate. 2.The medical device of claim 1, in which the second charging rate issubstantially zero.
 3. The medical device of claim 1, in which thesecond charging rate is increased if an input is received from a user.4. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising: a display fordisplaying at least a portion of the data set.
 5. The medical device ofclaim 1, in which if no data set is received from the power adaptersystem, the authentication is not confirmed.
 6. The medical device ofclaim 1, in which a query is transmitted to the power adapter system,and the data set is received responsive to the query.
 7. The medicaldevice of claim 1, in which the data set is received responsive topower-on of the device.
 8. The medical device of claim 1, in which thedata set is received responsive to electrical engagement of the poweradapter system with the housing.
 9. The medical device of claim 1, inwhich the received data set is encrypted.
 10. The medical device ofclaim 1, in which according to the first protocol, a first type ofindication about a status of the power adapter system is displayed at ascreen of the device, but according to the second protocol, a secondtype of indication different from the first type is displayed at thescreen.
 11. The medical device of claim 1, in which the medical deviceexhibits a warning about the authentication not being confirmed whenoperating according to the second protocol, but not when operatingaccording to the first protocol.
 12. The medical device of claim 1, inwhich according to the first protocol, the device has the capability ofoperating in both a manual mode and an AED mode, but according to thesecond protocol, the device has the capability of operating in the AEDmode but not in the manual mode.
 13. The medical device of claim 1, inwhich while a functionality of defibrillating is operable according toboth the first protocol and to the second protocol, a certainfunctionality other than the functionality of defibrillating is operableaccording to the first protocol, but not according to the secondprotocol.
 14. The medical device of claim 13, in which the certainfunctionality is an information display functionality.
 15. The medicaldevice of claim 13, in which the certain functionality is a synchronizedcardioversion therapy.
 16. The medical device of claim 13, in which thecertain functionality is a pacing therapy.
 17. The medical device ofclaim 13, in which the certain functionality is to monitor a parameterof the patient.
 18. The medical device of claim 17, in which theparameter includes one of capnography, pulse oximetry, non-invasiveblood pressure, end tidal CO2, ECG, invasive blood pressure,temperature, and CPR performance monitoring.